"Just play. Have fun. Enjoy the game.” Michael Jordan
During the past five years I have had the privilege of cheering for my daughter at lacrosse tournaments in various parts of the country. The best place to be. With various travel clubs, she has competed in California, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Florida, Illinois, New Jersey, Colorado, Virginia, and Georgia to name a few places. Along the way I have made a few observations that seem to be consistent regardless of the venue. See if any of this rings true with you.
I am equally sad as I am pleased that Emily attended her last travel tourney this past weekend. I am sad that she will no longer compete with this team against others from around the country. What a fun privilege she has experienced. I am sad that she is growing up and soon will be moving to another phase of her athletic career. She does not need her father nearly as much as he would like for her to. Maybe that's a good thing. However, I am more pleased than sad. I am pleased how well she has progressed as an athlete, as a leader and as a young adult. Along the way, her coaches have helped to shape her on and off the field of play.
Some observations regarding travel team coaches. All of the coaches want to win. Each with their own philosophy. Winning is better than losing. While winning is more important to some coaches, most prefer their players improve their game and they emphasize this more than winning each game. This isn't little league or the feel good about ourselves league. Not everyone plays, but hopefully everyone improves and respects the game.
Emily has been very fortunate to play for some excellent coaches who have cared equally for her development on and off the field. Hunter, Crista, Katie, Jess, Michelle, Ruth and Jen - we thank you for taking your time, seeing good things in Em and developing those things into something better. She will be in great hands once she gets to Shorty and TK next year at Rollins. Go Tars!
At travel tourneys, parents basically fall into five categories: the rah rah; the screamer; the gossip; the coach-sniffer; and the chill. The rah rah is usually the team parent who organizes snacks, tents, communicates with the team and is the best sidelines cheerleader even if her child doesn't play that much. Every team needs this parent. They are the glue of the team and they get the grunt work done. The rah rah is wise to stay away from the gossip. It never ends well. The gossip stirs the pot for whatever fits their agenda. Maybe they are just bored. Who knows. Who cares. Just keep to yourself, please. The screamer is someone we all know and partially might be, but never want to admit it. They are not good for the game or for any sport. Constructive criticism is not part of their vocabulary or persona. They scream at the refs, opposing players and coaches, and even their own child while the game is going on. Is it sad. Grow up already! Winning is the only thing. Winning at all costs, emotions be dammed. I really wish the screamer would remain in his car during the games. We all do, especially the kids. Compare the screamer to the coach-sniffer. Their child is likely a possible recruit. They see which coaches are at the tourney and seek them out. They listen. They study. They talk. They are nervous. Usually drives their child a little crazy with all of it. They should really follow the lead of the chill. He is that seasoned veteran of these tourneys who usually has more than one lacrosse player in the family. Likely a former college athlete. They've been to many tourneys. Seen it all. They have a laid back attitude that should be copied by most parents. I like the chill. I strive to be the chill. Admittedly, though, I think I'm some parts of all of these parents. Someone, please help me.
“For when the One Great Scorer comes
To mark against your name,
He writes – not that you won or lost –
But how you played the Game.”
Grantland Rice
The players are the most fickle bunch to describe. Too many different types to list here, but will give a few a shoutout. First is the team captain. Usually one of the better players. Most have committed to play in college. Some lead by their actions. Some lead by their encouragement. The best ones do both. Next are the cheerleaders. Not the most talented player, but certainly makes their presence felt. They are loud. They scream. They cheer. They love their teammates. Coaches secretly know they help keep the team loose and going. They are usually related to the rah rah, but not always. Every team needs that player who stands out for their athletic prowess. They score. They defend. They get it done when the team needs her the most. That player is the franchise. They all want to be the franchise. Realistically, though, there is just one franchise per team. Lastly, every team has that certain player who is sneaky good and flies under the radar. Once the game is over and you think back about the plays on the field you realize that player did those things nobody else can do or will do. They set picks. They call out defenses. They see the game at an advanced level. This player is the coach on the field. They make everyone else on the field look and play better. That player is going to be the coach's favorite because she knows she speaks for her on the field. Everyone should be this player.
Lastly, the refs. Some have rabbit ears. Some have no clue. Some are awesome. Some are combative. Some are out of shape. Some are in fantastic shape. All try their best. We hope.
I am sure there are many other types I have left off that you can think of. If I tried to list them all here, several of you would defriend me for wasting your time. For those who have read this far, I thank you. I hope to root for your child at a tournament soon. That is, if I'm not in in the bleachers in Winter Park.
Respect the players.
Respect the parents.
Respect the game.
The Sports Guy
